Shopgirl

Starring Steve Martin, Claire Danes, Jason Schwartzman

Rated PG-13

            The best way to describe “Shopgirl” is pleasant and a bit lovely. The film isn’t aiming to be a masterpiece, but ends up being the best romance to open in theaters all year. Nothing in my memory has the romantic insight that this film has. For every “Shopgirl,” there’s at least ten “Must Love Dogs.”

            Claire Danes stars as Mirabelle, a lonely employee at Saks Fifth Avenue. She meets the lively and neurotic Jeremy (Jason Schwartzman) at the local laundromat, and the two go on a few awkward dates before finally maintaining something of a relationship. Then she meets Ray (Steve Martin, who also wrote the book and screenplay), a rich, much-older loner who takes a particular interest in Mirabelle. Ray and Mirabelle soon become attached, as Jeremy takes a road trip with an up-and-coming band.

            The movie is funny, yes, but is more serious when it comes to the facts of modern relationships. Martin makes us feel the struggle of an older man’s ‘short-term’ ability to maintain a loving nature, while Danes makes her shopgirl conflicted and natural. “Shopgirl” should not be attended with the expectation of Martin going crazy. Instead, expect something more heartfelt.

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